LINCOLN- The story of Chief Standing Bear, which has reached new levels of prominence in Nebraska of late, now will be spread further through the U.S. mail. Beginning on May 12, a “Forever” commemorative stamp bearing the likeness of the Ponca leader is to be issued and become available for use nationwide. The U.S. Postal Service announced they intend to print 18 million of the specialized stamp.

On May 12 there will be a dedication ceremony in Lincoln with Anton Hajjar, vice chair of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors; Candace Schmidt, chairwoman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska; and Judi gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. The Chief Standing Bear stamp features a portrait by illustrator Thomas Blackshear II, who created the image based on a black-and-white photograph taken in 1877.

In a media advisory, the U.S. Postal Service said it “holds reverence for Chief Standing Bear by honoring him with a forever stamp.” The statement notes how in 1879, Standing Bear won a landmark court ruling that determined a Native American was a person under the law, with an inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.The stamp can be prepurchased or purchased after the May 12 reveal.

For the full article click HERE